Choosing the Best Colors for Outdoor Cushions

We’ve come up with some fantastic ideas to help you when choosing the best colors for your outdoor patio cushions.

It can be such a fun and exciting time to freshen up your outdoor patio area and create an additional space that you love to retreat to.

When done right, patio areas are popular spaces to enjoy a quiet cup of tea with a book, a full alfresco dining experience or an intimate dining experience with a loved one. What do you want your outdoor patio to look like?

Color Ideas

To get started let’s take you through some color combination ideas with this quick video and we’ll follow on with some functional elements that you can consider to make your space your own and one you love to enjoy.

Color Changing of Your Patio Features

Freshening your outdoor patio with each season can be a great way to keep it functional and appealing. For a warm look during the cooler months, add the colors you like for earthy or neutral tones with floor rugs, an array of sizes of outdoor cushions and contrasting colors. Try rusty red or rusty orange, a splash of blue, yellow.

In spring, you might consider bringing in your fresh ‘clearing’ look and feel but still use the right outdoor elements to keep the space functional given the crisp days.

Then, Summer is a time when you can choose any combination to brighten your veranda area or keep it neutral with a hint of something a little different.

A bright outdoor floor rug depicting how to add a splash of colour to your patio area — Adding color and appeal to your outdoor patio through a floor mat

Key Tip Keep in mind that if you are going to color change your patio area or even just change your patio cushion colors then you will need to consider storage between seasons.

Weather-ability and Wear and Tear on Outdoor Cushions

Outdoor cushions can be made of different materials. Some are waterproof while others need to be kept under cover. Considerations include if your outdoor patio or outdoor area is fully enclosed, partially enclosed or completely open. Where do you intend to use your outdoor cushions? This should help when choosing the best colors for your outdoor patio cushions.

Having any type of furniture and fabric exposed to the elements will eventually, over time wear them.

The sun can fade colors so be aware of the cushion fabric’s UV resistance. If your cushions are likely to get splashed being pool-side then consider how waterproof or water resistant they are when making your purchase.

Heavy traffic nearby where you live or prone to high winds? Consider a fabric that does not absorb dust. There are certain fabrics recommended for outdoor use and we recommend choosing the right fabric WITH the right color.

An array of square outdoor cushions in different colors next to a swimming pool as a consideration for getting waterproof outdoor cushions. — Choose accent color with your outdoor cushions

Choosing a Primary Color

In order to make this decision, your key consideration needs to be the house architecture. This includes materials such as rendering, stonework, brickwork, etc. and colors. Your outdoor area should ‘flow on’ from the rest of your home and complement existing styles or eras.

The primary color typically isn’t too over-bearing. Save that for the accent colors to compliment your primary color choice.

A wicker setting with colors to match the primary color chosen for your outdoor area. — Select the right primary color for your outdoor area

Color Combining for Selecting the Best Colors for your Outdoor Patio Cushions and Cushion Covers.

This can be an exciting part of fitting out your area to style the outdoor space just the way you like it. Colors can be combined using products such as outdoor floor coverings, throw rugs, cushions, wall art or wall hangings, an umbrella or shade cloth, coffee table, lanterns, star lights, vases, drink/food tray, pots and plants.

material cut out leaves in neutral color tones hanging on some twine with forest of autumn in background to show how colors can work well together. — Photo by Designecologist on Pexels.com

Once you have chosen your primary color you can experiment with color combinations before making any cushion purchases or accessories. If it helps, grab some paint swatches and see what works. Check out the references I have provided as you read on, to view some ideas to help you get started.

For Summer color combination ideas you can gain some insight from a great article (with pictures) written by a professional interior designer.

Pink and white tones for outdoor patio area to show design ideas for a patio in summer — Summer Patio Cushion Combination Idea

Wicker outdoor lounge with white cushions and orange and green complimenting cushions and cane joint coffee table in middle with candle sticks and accent color bowls, highlighting patio design options in the Fall. — Fall cushions color and pattern ideas for patio

Undercover patio area. White house, outdoor brown floor rug, brown wicker outdoor settee and yellow and pale gray cushions to compliment showing Winter patio design ideas — Winter Patio Cushion Color Ideas

White outdoor cushions with different toned green leaves design ,cream throw rug and open book on cane lounge showing design ideas for a fresh Spring look for your patio — Spring Patio Cushion Color Ideas

Cushion Color Vs Size

You’ll often see the use of various cushion sizes but how do you decide on the color for the cushion size? The simple answer lies in the color combination you use. You may like to use a contrast color / accent color on a smaller cushion with remaining cushions in a union of pattern and complimenting shades. The accent color cushion is complimented with some accessories of the same color.

Teal Rectangle bench cushion and back cushions with flower matching smaller cushions of a different size to show how you combine cushion color and size to choose the right cushions for your patio. — Patio Cushion Shape and Size considerations

Patio Cushion Shapes

To some extent you may be limited to cushions that are the right size and shape for your patio furniture. Don’t be afraid to mix it up when it comes to the shapes of your cushions that you provide as extras. You may like to combine some cube cushion seating or large flat floor cushions depending on your area.

Other ideas include starburst shaped cushions, cushions with fringes, embroidered or hand crafted cushions. Long rectangular cushions, wavy edge cushions or circular cushions can add interest to your outdoor area.

When the cushion shapes are combined with the right size and the right colors you can make a huge impact to your patio area and not compromise on comfort.